Ohio Man Enters Guilty Plea to Federal Drug Offense

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cleveland, Ohio man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.  James Lavan, 45, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lavan admitted that on June 12, 2019, members of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant on his girlfriend’s vehicle and seized over 70 grams of heroin from his tool bag in the truck. Lavan admitted he intended to sell the heroin.

Lavan faces up to 63 months in prison when sentenced on July 1, 2021.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation.  Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles Heinrich, Jeremy B. Wolfe and former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders are handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-00233.

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